Montana

hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Montana

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is a severe viral illness caused by *hantaviruses*. It primarily affects humans, especially in rural areas of Asia and Europe, leading to fever, bleeding disorders, and acute kidney damage. The disease's severity varies depending on the specific hantavirus type.

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What is hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome?

HFRS has been recognized for centuries in East Asia but gained significant attention during the Korean War (1950s) due due to severe outbreaks among soldiers. The causative agent, *Hantaan virus*, was isolated in 1978 by Dr. Ho-Wang Lee, marking a major breakthrough in understanding and combating the disease.

Symptoms

Sudden onset of high fever, chills, and headache.
Intense muscle aches, back pain, and abdominal pain.
Nausea, vomiting, and facial flushing.
Decreased urine output (oliguria) and signs of acute kidney injury (renal failure).
Low blood pressure (hypotension).
Hemorrhagic manifestations such as petechiae (small red spots), bleeding from gums or nose, and sometimes internal bleeding.

Transmission

HFRS is transmitted to humans primarily through the inhalation of aerosolized particles contaminated with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents. Direct contact with infected rodents or their droppings, or consuming contaminated food or water, can also lead to infection. The disease is *not* transmitted from person to person.

Contagious Period: Varies by disease

Prevention

Avoid contact with rodents, their urine, feces, or nesting materials.
Seal holes and gaps in homes and workplaces to prevent rodent entry.
Clean up rodent droppings and urine carefully using wet methods and disinfectants to avoid aerosolizing particles.
Store food in rodent-proof containers and keep outdoor areas free of debris.
*Vaccines* are available in some highly endemic regions (e.g., China, South Korea) for high-risk populations.

Montana Health Resources

Local health department information and state-specific prevention guidance

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Our AI-powered surveillance continuously monitors hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome activity across Montana. We track data from state health departments, local hospitals, CDC reports, and 50+ global health sources to provide early warning of emerging threats.

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Montana Health Department

For official state health alerts, vaccination locations, and public health guidance specific to Montana, visit your state health department's website.

→ Montana Department of Health → CDC hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome Information → CDC Health Topics

Understanding hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome: Key Questions

Whether you live in Montana or are traveling there, knowing the symptoms, timeline, and when to seek care helps you act quickly if exposure occurs.

When to Seek Care

Seek care if you experience severe dehydration, bloody stools, high fever, or symptoms lasting more than 3 days. Children under 5, adults over 65, and immunocompromised individuals should seek care earlier.

Emergency symptoms: Severe dehydration, inability to keep fluids down for 12 or more hours, or neurological symptoms require emergency care.

Expert Resources & References

Trusted information from leading health organizations

CDC

Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

View WHO Resources →

Research

Latest peer-reviewed research and clinical studies

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Medically Reviewed Content

Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-18

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